Young Golf Fan Has A Chance Meeting With U.S. Open Champion

Amanda DiDomenico got a text from her step-dad, Rick Willard, who asked if her son Gianmichael wanted to go to the Travelers Championship golf tournament in Cromwell on Wednesday. 

"My mom and step-dad live on the second hold at the TPC and they offer out there house to golfers every year," DiDomenico said. "They had Bubba Watson stay there two years ago and Matt Kuchar last year. They usually just take a vacation when the tournament is there because the TPC takes care of renting out their house for them. This year, they are staying with friends and decided to stay and watch the tournament" 

DiDomenico and her husband Gianni admit they are not golf fans but their son Gianmichael is a sports fan, meaning all sports. 

"I hadn't heard from my mother about who they were hosting in their house this year but Gianmichael will do anything with his Mampa and Mamie," Amanda said. "So we were going to go to the beach today (Wednesday) with my friend but when Mampa called and asked G to go, he was gone."

It was hours later that Amanda got a frantic call from her older son.

"He said Mom, Mom, I got to meet Justin Rose and he signed stuff and I got my picture taken with him," Didomenico said. "I was like who is Justin Rose? I had no idea."

Justin Rose won the U.S. Open on Father's Day, his first major. While many golfers would have skipped coming to Cromwell, Rose kept his commitment and came to the Travelers Championship. 

And it turns out he is staying in the house on the second hole owned by Linda and Rick Willard, DiDomenico's mother and step-father. 

"The homeowners usually don't have any contact with the golfers but when Justin Rose was coming off the 18th green, Rick called out to him and he came over expecting just to sign autographs," DiDomenico said. "So he came over and Rick told him he was staying in their house. He thanked him for the hospitality and told him it was a beautiful home. He spent a few minutes talking to Rick and G. He signed his program and took a few photos with him. Rick and G said he couldn't have been nicer."

As if he didn't have enough fans already just for showing up this week after winning the U.S. Open, Justin Rose made two more fans in Rick Willard and Gianmichael DiDomenico on Wednesday.